San Fran Mom Tries to Sue McDonald‘s Because Happy Meals ’Exploit’ Kids, Judge Tells her to Take a Hike
- Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:19pm by
Becket Adams
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A San Francisco mother became so upset with McDonald’s for including toys with its Happy Meals that she brought a class-action lawsuit against the fast food giant.
She “wanted McDonald’s to remove the toys from Happy Meals or offer healthier options for the lunch boxes,” the Daily Mail reports. “The lawsuit did not seek damages.”
That case got tossed out yesterday.
Judge Richard Kramer on Wednesday dismissed the lawsuit against McDonald‘s over the restaurant chain’s marketing of its signature Happy Meals, according to Reuters.
“Plaintiff Monet Parham, a mother of two, was represented by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a nutrition advocacy group,” the report adds. Parham, along with the CSPI, argued that the use of toys in Happy Meals preys on children’s vulnerabilities and encourages them to eat unhealthy food.
“What kids see as a fun toy, I now realize is a sophisticated, hi-tech marketing scheme that‘s designed to put McDonald’s between me and my daughters,” Parham argued, according to the Daily Mail.
“For the sake of other parents and their children, I want McDonald’s to stop interfering with my family.”
Monet Parham (Photo Source: Daily Mail)
Let’s see if we got this: if we could only get McDonald’s to stop putting toys in Happy Meals, then kids won’t want French fries or ice cream?
Hopefully, that last sentence was as absurd to read as it was to write. And I’m not alone in this opinion; the judge obviously agrees with me.
In fact, “the judge dismissed the lawsuit without giving the plaintiff the opportunity to file an amended lawsuit,” The Consumerist reports.
As expected, the CSPI is displeased with the court’s decision.
“In time, the practice of using toys to market junk food will seem as inappropriate and anachronistic as lead paint, child labor and asbestos,” CSPI executive director Michael Jacobson said in a statement.
Yeah, I can see that…
McDonald’s pushed back against the lawsuit by gently reminding Parham that she has the last say in what her family eats — not her children or McDonald’s.
“We are proud of our Happy Meals and will vigorously defend our brand, our reputation and our food,” a McDonald’s rep said in a statement.
Since the judge’s dismissal, CSPI has vowed to fight on:
McDonald’s must stop exploiting children at some point. Using toys, of all things, to lure young children to fast-food meals is not responsible corporate behavior. It’s a predatory practice that undermines parents, causes rifts in families, and harms kids’ health…
Resolving this question will not hinge on whether the plaintiff in this lawsuit suffered a monetary loss in this case, though we maintain she did. We‘re studying the judge’s decision and will discuss with the plaintiff whether to appeal. We will continue to urge all branches of government, including the courts, to stand up for parents and protect children from unscrupulous marketing techniques.
(H/T: The Consumerist)
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Comments (195)
bikerr
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:03pmWouldn’t child services be interested in her approach at using Mc Donalds as a tool for raising her children? After all McDonalds (according to her) is a mean corporate company.I guess saying“ no” to her child is to hard for her.Maybe child services should see what else this mother can’t say “no” to.
Report Post »hidden_lion
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 9:10amThis is why all liberals should be expelled from America. Freedom is just too hard for them. They can’t control themselves. I don’t think it is good to hate, but I am really developing full on hatred of these people.
Report Post »term limits for congress
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 9:39amSpeaking of tools to raise her children, what does her husband (you know – the father of her children) have to say about this?
Report Post »johnjamison
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 9:53amI‘m with you Hidden Lion these liberal douch’es would rather limit the option,choice,or liberty depending on which liberal goal you talk about than to practice SELF RESPONSIBILITY,and actuall being a parent.
Report Post »Mtroom
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 10:49amI really would like to see the kids toy box… (watchin’ a happy meal commercial as I write this).. You see, I have a 6 year old girl that I take to Mickey D‘s when I don’t have the time to cook… Which isn’t very often.. The funny thing is, she wants a salad with ranch dressing, and doesn’t give a hoot about the toy in the Happy Meal… MD‘s didn’t influence her kids with marketing, she did.. My daughter makes good choices because she was raised that way, not raised at/by McDonald’s.
Report Post »TexasHunter
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 12:27pmLet me guess. She is a democrap too.
Report Post »Deepdiver58
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 1:55pmJust say NO? Really? You would have the mother take responsibility for her actions and children? What kind of family-hater are you?
This woman sould lose any parental rights she may have and she should be sent to a country where women are really appreciated: Afghanistan.
Report Post »Jim in Houston
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 2:26pm@TexasHunter: Just a luck y guess.
Report Post »AZRACISTBIGOT
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 5:16pmTypical Lib who thinks that it is the duty of government and the courts to save us from ourselves.
Report Post »Did it ever occur to her that she has the right not to take her kids to Micky D’s?
Laus Deo
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:52pmImagine my surprise, finally seeing this woman’s photo after hearing about the story throughout the day.. Never would have guessed her weight and race. Total mind-blower, man!
Report Post »mharry860
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:00pmCareful there, even though I thought the same thing.
Report Post »GBTVFan_Non_American_Overseas
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:34pmMe too, and I’m honestly zero racist….I just see a pattern with this kind of stories.
BTW, dear SF Mom: You aren’t able to tell your children what to do or what to eat, but instead you are trying to tell a corporation what to do?????? Why don’t you try not going there or not buying Happy Meals????…hard to do????
Report Post »Laus Deo
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 11:13pmPardon me for being coarse but “careful” nothing! I am no racist. It was not a surprise to me to see the photo of an overweight black woman. Who do you see in the majority of McDonald’s commercials these days (at least the last 15yrs)?
I do not subscribe to political correctness or racism. Both are poisonous to the soul.
Report Post »Freedom from liberals
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 11:14pmMcdonalds settled out of court with her. They changed Big Mac’s name to Mrs. Mac. She obviously chowed down a few thousand of them so Mcdonalds settled and paid tribute to her patriotism.
Report Post »joxercat
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 11:28pmAnd her weight has what to do with this. Even skinny moms take their kids to Mcdonalds. That was just plain naive comment. Just because you are skinny does not mean you eat well. It could mean you just burn the calories faster. I will not comment on the other you mentioned as it has nothing to do with this either. BTW Mcdonald’s has a great squinky magnet right now… don’t forget to collect them all!
Report Post »Laus Deo
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 11:47pmJoxer, did you sleep in class during reading comprehension? I clearly stated that I was not surprised to see an overweight black woman in the photo. That was all. Her race and stature had everything to do with my lack of surprise. I almost feel bad that my kids will never experience the joy of opening up a Happy Meal, since my skinny wife chooses not to feed them that swill. Have a good night.
Report Post »WendyTai
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 11:47pmThis is the first I heard about it. I am thankful to GOD, I don’t live in CA.. I’d be arrested already. However I have noticed that the color of one skin depends on whether you can make a legit case and win. The problem with people trying to sue any franchise just because they don’t like how they do business is just plain wrong!! When I don’t like something,, I am told well, ya don’t have to go there, ya don’t have to watch it, etc.. so why not to others? I seriously DISLIKE Democrats. I am surprised Gloria Alred wasn’t heading this one up.
Report Post »ohyaok
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 11:51pmYou know, buy the story I thought this would have been a skinny, whiney, my opinion is the only thing that matters, white girl.
Report Post »Laus Deo
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 11:57pm*build, not stature.
Report Post »Stoic one
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 12:05amMy youngest grandson was over on Tuesday,we had a 45 minute conversation of NO on the subject of McDonalds.
See it is really easy ( even though I spoil him senseless) to say no., and go on the swings; and say no and go to the “Beanstalk” in my neighbors yard; and say no and then go wake Grandma up; and say no and then watch Shrek III for the twentieth time and sit down and have him fall asleep in my arms……………………………
There; see how easy that was?
Report Post »Winedude
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 1:44amWendythai…don’t worry. We‘re glad you don’t live in California too.
Report Post »asybot12
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 3:49am@ Wendy, gloria was busy defending a transvestite beauty“queen”. And as far as my opinion is concerned Mc’s should sue the F.T a.. for exposing her kids to post traumatic and stress syndrome and for her taking the fun out of life PERIOD!. I used to take our kids to Mc’s , D.Q. etc as a treat about 2-3 times a year they loved it but knew it for what it was: a treat you know milkshakes fries etc for the rest of the year they got home made meals including turkey, chicken, steaks, roast beef with all the trimmings like veggies, potatoes,salads you name it and OH MY GOD ICECREAM and PIE . Going to a fast food place was evil and therefore FUN!
Report Post »Izzy2626
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 7:13amSorry Monet….guess youll have to take that job flipping burgers @ McDonalds. Would you like fries with that?
Report Post »georgette
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 9:01amI volunteer at several places…ie….shelters………we are grateful for those happy meal toys……we give them to the children…they can use another smile.
Report Post »Zipit
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 9:21amHey Winedude! I’m actually just amazed that you guys in Cal have any judges left with the “Chicken McHuevos” to throw this one out of court! Good for him!
Report Post »johnjamison
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 10:27amHold up there Laus you can insult the stupid woman and her stupid lazy parenting,her stupid law suit and even the stupid poster who attempted to belittle….But you leave those effing delicious Mc.Donald ‘s french fries out of it.
Report Post »pavepaws
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 6:56pmLol
Report Post »Laus Deo
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 9:18pmYou got it, John J… But for the record, my original comment was in regards to my lack of surprise and nothing more. I’ve got to know, do you not have an In-N-Out in your state?
Report Post »SerikFox
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:48pmMaybe a parent could just not buy the happy-meal if they objected? Set actual rules for their kids rather than seeking the government to set rules for them? Nope – that’s to absurd of a notion. It’s an unprecedented notion as well I might mention.
Report Post »4xeverything
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 6:31amI feel like sueing Mickey Ds for contaminating my kids junk food with apples when I order fries!
Report Post »ICANHANDLETHETRUTH
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:47pmWhat a tardo…….. if you don’t like it…….. do more cooking at home !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »Freedom from liberals
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 11:16pmFried chicken and chitlins. They are still unhealthy
Report Post »joxercat
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 11:30pmto freedom from liberals…. but that does not include a fun toy so it is ok. No matter how much grease is dripping off of it!
Report Post »wianno94
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:47pmNext up, Monet will be suing Toys R Us for exploiting her children with………..TOYS!
Report Post »momrules
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:45pmWhen I was raising my children I had no problem saying no and meaning it. It would never have occurred to me to sue a company because my kids whined when all I had to do was not take them there or just say NO.
No is a very GOOD word Ms, Parham.
Report Post »Ditto Head
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:33pmLike Dave Ramsey says, “No” is a complete sentence.
Report Post »ReachRenee
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:45pmApparently this idiot doesn’t know how to parent. Monet Parham, just say NO. When your children ask to go to McDonald’s, just say NO. How hard it that? Because you can’t properly parent your children, you file a lawsuit?! I hope your children are old enough to realize what an idiot their mother is.
Report Post »marhee9
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:50pmI couldn’t agree more Reachrenee. No wonder our society is in the shape it’s in. As for the judge…bravo! I have to assume he was from out of town.
Report Post »http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qW9-6m6dKZw
ReachRenee
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:00pmLOL I was thinking the same thing. No way this suit was heard in San Francisco!
Report Post »Dr Vel
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:44pm“For the sake of other parents and their children, I want McDonald’s to stop interfering with my family.”
Then don’t go there you stupid phony bimbo. You are a fraud lady. You could care less about what your children eat this is all about liberal leftist agenda. Scamming companies for money because your welfare check isn’t large enough for the big screen you hoped to buy from the proceeds of your fake suit. Of course you realize had you won you would need to hide the big screen from your other commie anti capitalist friends.
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:44pmThe leftist must be putting different goups and people up to tying up the courts with nonesense. I hope they all get arrested for sedition.
Report Post »MAMMY_NUNN
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:32pmAgree perfect case for “Loser Pays”
Report Post »Meanwhile someone sets in jail awaiting to see the judge or hear their case they need screening of these cases so they stop tying up the system preventing the right of a fair and speedy trial.
blackyb
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:43pmShe needs on of those toys stuck up her zonzo. That is a judge who has some whatevers. These people get sillier by the year. If she wants it done her way may she should try Burger King.
Report Post »NorCalBlazer
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:41pmMy kids will go to McDonald’s IN SPITE of the toys. They almost always give them back to the person at the counter because they are so lame. So much for that predatory marketing practice!
Report Post »Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:40pmI want my money, I need to get paid. Dang, where my Obama bucks, you owe me reperations. MacDonalds owes me. Damn Judge, you get yours when Obama gets you. Excuse me, I got to go, Oprah’s on……….and I need to get my nails done for my Babies Daddy, we got a date.
Report Post »4xeverything
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 6:37amYou so BAAAD!
Report Post »hatchetjob
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:39pmYeah! Take a hike!
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:37pmThe Face of a Socialist Fascist… can be found in any Sex, and any Race!
Report Post »Mr.Fitnah
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:37pmWow what a hater ..
justice for trayvon
Trayvon wears his gold teeth like a clown
He calls his child welfare
Cause name should mean a thing
Trayvon, Trayvon likes his money
Trayvon wants some money
He stole a lot they say
Spends his days sagging
by the hedges where the gays Stay
He was born a burden to the world after Christmas day
His father said to go away.
His Mom Said stay we are food stamp kings today
And he shall be Trayvon
He shall be a pimp man
And he shall be trayvon
A criminal without a plan
Trayvon is a cartoon buffon
Report Post »The family business thrives
Welfares sells out his sister clooecting checks all day
And trayvon wants to go to lock up
Leave sagging all behind
Take off his pants and go strolling .
While welfare does the time.
thegreatcarnac
Posted on April 7, 2012 at 11:22amYou made elton proud….
Report Post »Smokey_Bojangles
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:37pmIf she is that bad of a parent and that STUPID maybe child services should take her children? She obviously can not take care of her children if she wants the Government to do it.
Report Post »BubbaT
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:36pmWow so common sense still actually does still exist in this country. Too bad once Obummer is reelected that will go away.
Report Post »Look4DBigPicture
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 5:40pmGood to know that a judge in San Fran actually has some common sense. This judge is my new hero.
Report Post »Amica
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:36pmIt’s true…I’ve never really forgiven my Mom for that one time when she told me “No…we are not going to McDonalds.” My life has been a nightmare ever since
Report Post »marine249
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:20pmwhen I grew up, there were no McDonalds in Wis.
Report Post »Boy did I miss out. No happy meals,
WHO AND WERE DO I SUE?
jagr1850
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 11:35amthe lady must learn how to cook meals for her children to eat at home …..then her kids will not be eating any thing that the mother finds to be evil…
Report Post »IMCHRISTIAN
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:36pmParents have no right to tell a business what to do or sell. If the kids shouldn’t have a happy meal why do you take them there? Raise your kids to be loving not hateful, they should know what the ten commandments are and explain and raise kids according. See what the OWS are doing is that the way you want your children to be instead of doing what is right and by the right rules. Grow up, parents and you children will grow up to make God proud of you all.
Report Post »KickinBack
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:35pmNothing like 5 year old children spending their hard earned money on happy meals.
Report Post »BigDog2372
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 12:14pmSarcasm noted, and agreed with! This lady wants the courts to do her parenting for her.
Report Post »Look4DBigPicture
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 5:47pm@BigDog2372 … She didn‘t care about her child’s welfare. She heard Moochelle complaining about the food and decided it was an opportunity to make some big bucks off a big corporation.
Glad the judge threw it out. We need more judges with this kind of backbone to put an end these frivolous lawsuits, which cost the plaintiff nothing.
Report Post »country_hick
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:34pmMy normal response would be to grown a pair and tell your kids NO but in this case it is just to take a little personal responsibility and tell your kids NO!
Report Post »aragona
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:30pmLet’s be real. The kids have no money. They have to rely on mom or dad to buy them the junk food. The parents are supposed to be in control. I fail to see how parenting decisions are undermined or rifts are caused in families over happy meals.
And let’s be honest. Do the kids actually eat these meals? Or, are they more interested in McDonald’s play areas? My kids are grown, and we didn’t eat out a lot, but occasionally there birthday parties and such at McDonalds; we ordered the happy meals. It was all I could do to keep my kids in their seats long enough to take a couple of bites. They were more interested in playing, than eating.
Parents – grow a spine, say no to your kids. They WANT to say no. They WANT you to set parents. They WANT you to be the parent! Be the parent.
Report Post »aragona
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:37pmWow. Riddled with typos … but I think you get the drift. :)
Report Post »KangarooJack
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:29pmCall me hopeful. Call me optimistic.
I think People are FINALLY starting to FIGHT BACK against this insane “PC” crap.
Somebody pizzed off the Supreme Court and looks like the rest of the Nation’s Courts just might have GROWN a pair!
Report Post »kaydeebeau
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:28pmEasy concept – Just say NO to the little “darlings” and cook for them yourself. ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Are there any real parents left?
Report Post »joxercat
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 11:36pmno one knows how to cook anymore. So off to MDs. I cook for my kids and they prefered it to eating out. We do eat out but it is not a terrible thing to tell them no. They just like the novelty of it. My daughter just ate pasta alfredo with shrimp for dinner and an ear of corn and was soooo happy!
Report Post »Psychosis
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:28pmi see dumb people ……….and most of em have obama 08 stickers on their cars
Report Post »momprayn
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:38pmLOL….yeah, isn’t that the truth.
Report Post »Got2bRoni
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:39pmLol.. so true..
Report Post »aragona
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:40pmI see them, too, but I see less of them. Let’s hope that is meaningful.
Report Post »copatriots
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:49pmIt’s the Obama 2012 stickers that make my head explode. “Dumb” doesn’t begin to describe those America-hating, entitlement-loving loons.
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 9:53pmThey only see what they want to see. They don‘t know they’re dead.
Report Post »Look4DBigPicture
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 5:56pmAmen!
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